Opinions please on a starter audiophile system?

my suggestion to you is what I have for my 3rd system.

Magneplanar mmg OR 1.6 speakers...around 500 to 1100to1500 used, respectfully
Monarchy audio SM70pro mono amps (Class A)...about 1000 a pair
Jolida jd-100 tube cd player around 600 used.
Cables (either make your own or go for any inexpensive brand
Audible Illusion pre (L1 with vol control) used around 1000

you will be good to go 4 sure:)~

You should be able to do well for 4 large. Your room, if you can arrange to suit should work out well, too.
That being said, I'd say that all the Real Nice people giving you help spending your money aren't helping as much as possible.

Get somewhere to hear some systems. Talk to a real sales guy but NOT at the local big box multi-mart. Find a REAL audio store.

For the kind of money your looking at, an overnite in the nearest place where you can visit some stores would be in order. Spend the day. Call in advance, so you know they'll be open and have a system or 2 ready to audition. Bring some of your favorite music on CD. Bring an SACD if you own one.

Once you hear some real systems, than you can decide if the used market is for you. Playing 'equipement roulette' is not my idea of fun, though many enjoy the heck out of it.

My advice would normally be go with used gear, but considering everyone don't take the same amount of care in equipment, there's a small risk involved. I would check out Emotiva. Their products seem to offer the best bang for the bucks. Their products comes with a pretty generous 5 yr warranty, as well as a in home 30 day no question asked return policy if you're not satisfied. I would start off with the ERC 1 CDP $400 and the USP1 PREAMP $400. You can save $50 on each one by buying the demo units, comes with same warranty. You still have $3200 to invest in a nice Used Amp and some speakers. that's my 2 cents. Oh, and by the way I own both pieces.

Advise-set a budget. Select a source(s) CD, Tuner or LPs.
Listen to new at a hi end parlor.
Then buy the brand you like used.
My suggestions would be a NAD integrated/Sony CD/BW speaker
let your ears be your guide
And I have none of the brands suggested

thanks for all the replies.....auditioning tonight - we'll see.